New Season Around the Corner

We've all had a few months off, school has started, fall sports in are full swing which means that rugby is fast approaching!  We are working on getting a sign up meeting scheduled so be on the lookout for that info! In the mean time here are a few things for everyone to start working on:

RETURNING PLAYERS:

• Start recruiting!  Tell people about the upcoming season.  Remind them that anyone can play!  Tell them to follow our social media accounts so they can stay up to date on all info.
• If you need new equipment (cleats, shorts, mouth guard) start saving money, go buy the things you need.  Be prepared.
• If you are not playing a fall sport - starting working on your fitness, pick up a rugby ball again, the more ready you are the more you can help the new people learn!

NEW PLAYERS:

• Find a friend to come try rugby with you!  Even if you already have friends that play rugby, bring someone else who is new as well.  Anyone can play rugby regardless of experience so the more people the better!
• Follow our social media accounts: Instagram - vacaville_rugby_club and Facebook - Vacaville Rugby Club.  We keep these updated with all info regarding practices, meetings, anything you might need to know!
• Get the basic equipment, a mouth guard and cleats.  You won't be able to participate in contact without a mouth guard!
• If you aren't playing a fall sport, work on your fitness!  Rugby takes a lot of work and energy so it's important that everyone does their best to be fit!

If anyone has any questions our email address is vacavilleblackdogrugby@gmail.com

: : SEASON UPDATE : :

Since we are a few games into the season we figured we'd give everyone a little update as to how our club is doing!

Men's Club:  With a couple close games to start off the season, the Old Dogs went to San Jose this past weekend and pulled out a 2 point win over the Seahawks.  With some new guys added to the mix, the men are building their team chemistry and are looking to fit everything together when they take on Diablo this Saturday - probably at 1:00 at Al Patch park - if its too rainy the game will be at VCS!

H.S. Boys: With a couple losses and a good friendly match against De La Salle the boys team has been improving week to week, despite our really awesome practice facilities :) Their game last Friday night was in the pouring rain for the duration of the 70 minutes.  It was a tough loss, but the boys are looking to bounce back this Friday against Sierra up at Lincoln High School at 7:30pm! 

H.S. Girls: The girls started off with a round robin with Mother Lode and Sierra/River City.  It was a really great learning experience for our Rookies to get some playing time.  We opened up league play against the Amazons (who are nationally ranked) the girls took a beating but surprised themselves and the Amazons with some great hits and big offensive runs.  Last week they pulled away in the second half with a great win versus Chico.  The ladies look to build upon last weekends success this Saturday against Solo at VCS.

Every week each team is doing what they can to improve and prepare themselves for the upcoming weekend.  It hasn't been an easy season, but everyone is sticking together as a team and doing the best with what we have!  Any and all new players interested in rugby is encouraged to come out, it is never to late to join!! 

Thank you to everyone who has been helping us out, we appreciate it!

#DPWW

: What Do We (the Club) Do When We Aren't At Practice?? :

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt

Over the last couple decades Vacaville Blackdog Rugby Club has taught the game of rugby to hundreds of high school athletes.  The club has had great success on the field and our times of growth, but our Club is ALWAYS working and growing behind the scenes.  

This is 100% what we do and some of the problems we face running this club.

We (the coaches) wish we could spend the majority of our time planning practices and working with the kids, but we have many more responsibilities than just coaching.  Some of the questions we ask ourselves on almost a daily basis are:

Where are we going to practice? 
What equipment do we need? 
How much money do we have? 
How do we raise more money? 
Is everyone registered?  
Did everyone pay their dues? 
How do we help those who can't afford their dues?
How do we get more people to play? 
How do we get more PARENTS involved?
... that covers the major ones.

Especially this season fields have been a major issue.  We started the search for fields in October, and we are still searching for a place to call home.  Yin Ranch works, but we can't use the grass when it's been raining as much as it has.  The City has a moratorium on all of their fields... can't use those.  The school district is a whole other issue in itself to say the least, but we are currently allowed to use the blacktop only at Jepson Middle School.  Vacaville Christian School has the only all-weather, lit, field in town available to rent.  So that means EVERYBODY wants to use it.  We have been lucky enough to get our home games there.  It is a cycle of endless emails, phone calls, sending schedules, waiting, being told no, being told yes and then no and then maybe, there was even a petition to be allowed to use city fields.

Needless to say, we all spend a lot of our time on fields and still try to tackle all those other questions as well. We are also working to make sure the athletes are as prepared as they can be for their games.  It is no easy task running this club, but we continue to do it because we love rugby, we love teaching to those who want to learn, and because we are probably a little crazy.

So maybe this motivates you to help out, maybe it doesn't, but here's how you can help.  You can volunteer to organize food and drinks for socials. You can volunteer to help do fundraisers or get donations.  You can volunteer to help coach during our youth program this summer.  You or someone you know can donate money (and write if off) to something other than jerseys.  The way to be the MOST helpful, donate to paying for fields/lights.  It can be upwards of $60/hour to rent a field, that's almost $1,000 a month just on fields!  The possibilities are pretty endless.  Please feel free to shoot us an email, vacavilleblackdogrugby@gmail.com or message us on instagram or facebook if you want to help, have ideas, or want to come to the next board meeting, we would love to hear from you!

Saturday Jan. 14th Girl's Kick Off Tournament Schedule

Address: 2239 Chase Dr. Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

** No parking on the basketball courts **

9:45am - Arrive at field, shorts, socks, cleats on, hair braided, get tapped if need be, etc.

10:00am - Warm Up starts

11:00 - Game 1 vs. BOD Field 2

1:00 - Warm Up starts

1:40 - Game 2 vs. Chico Field 1

3:00 - Warm Up starts

3:30 - Game 3 vs. Cougars Field 2

* Bring plenty of water, SIGN UP TO BRING SNACKS OR DRINKS (Be a good teammate), extra clothes and layers.  BE PREPARED!!

* There will be vendors there as well so bring some money if you think you might want something!

Men's Club Schedule

2017 Men's Club Schedule

1/28 - @ Sac. Capitols 

2/4 - Home vs. Blackhawks

2/11 - Home vs. Baracus

2/18 - @ San Jose

2/25 - Home vs. Diablo

3/4 - BYE (Vegas)

3/11 - BYE

3/18 - Home vs. Berkeley

3/25 - @ Blackhawks vs. Fresno (Super Site)

4/1 - BYE

4/8 - @ Silicon Valley

4/15 - Semifinals 

4/22 - Finals at Golden Gate

2016-2017 Blackdog Game Schedule

1/20 - @ Elise Allen

1/28 - BYE

2/3 - @ Lancers

2/10 - @ Kennedy

2/17 - Home vs. Harlequins

2/24 - @ Sierra

3/4 - BYE (Vegas 7’s)

3/10 - Home vs. Sac PAL

3/17 - @ Cougars

3/24 - Home vs. Elk Grove

4/1 - BYE

4/8 - BYE/Rain Make-ups

4/15 - BYE (Easter)

* I’m assuming playoffs will be the same as the girls, so the last weekends in April, but we will let you know as that becomes available.

Get to know the Coaches

With the season just under way we wanted to give a little spotlight to all of our coaches so you can know a little bit about them!  

We also get a lot of help throughout the season from many of men's players, which is really awesome because it gives the kids plenty of people to learn from, watch and ask questions to.  We are one big club and family and everyone helps out in some way during the season!

Girl's Head Coach: Samantha Miller

Coaching Experience: 2011-present Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach 
                         2014 Head Coach Davis High School Girl's Rugby

                         2015-present Head Coach Vacaville Blackdog Girl's

                         2015 Master's degree in Coaching and Athletic Admin.

Playing Experience: 2009-11 Colorado Mesa University, ranked top 10

                              2010-11 West U23 Regional All-Star Team

                              2011 Division 2 All-American

                              2014-present Berkeley All Blues

Fun Fact: Originally from Colorado... but hates the snow, although does enjoy urban sledding (sleds pulled by a car).

Girl's Assistant Coach: Jordan Vermette
Coaching Experience: 2014-present Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Girl's

Playing Experience: 2012-15 high school rugby at Davis High School
                             Will be playing at UCD next fall

Fun Fact: She has swam from Alcatraz 3 times! And she loves making cupcakes, especially during finals week.

Girl's Assistant Coach: Zach Post
Coaching Experience: 2014-present Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Girl's

Playing Experience: 2003-07 Vacaville Blackdog Rugby (started in 8th grade)
10 years and counting for Vacaville Rugby Men's Club

Fun Fact: Used to get his hair in cornrows before games, and people would tend to pick on him a lot in games. He cut his hair, and he doesn't get picked on so much anymore.

Boy's Head Coach: Brett Fortney

Coaching Experience: 2012-14 Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Rugby

2015-present Head Coach Vacaville Blackdog Rugby

Playing Experience: 2007 Vacaville Blackdog Rugby 

                             2007-11 at Chico State, nationally ranked top 25

                   6 years and counting for Vacaville Rugby Men's Club

Fun Fact: At the time, only known Chico State player to actually get the Chico rugby logo (CSR) tattooed on him during the Rookie Scavenger Hunt.

Boy's Assistant Coach: Matt Hensley

Coaching Experience: 2012-present Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Rugby

Playing Experience: 2002-06 Vacaville Blackdog Rugby

                          2006-10 St. Mary's College, nationally ranked top 10

                          2010 Brother's Rugby Club, Australia

                11 years and counting for Vacaville Rugby Men's Club

Fun Fact: He wears the same t-shirt before every game while warming up.  And he LOVES Baldo's burritos.

Boy's Assistant Coach: Zane Miller

Coaching Experience: 2016 Assistant Coach Vacaville Blackdog Rugby

Playing Experience: 1 year at Univ. of Alabama
                             1 year at Diablo
                             2 years at Univ. of San Francisco 
                             First year with Vacaville Men's Club 
Fun Fact: Once jumped onto a moving Taco Truck in Humboldt.

High School Update:

Although the weather has been hard to cooperate with, we have had 2 weeks of practices now!  Everyone on both teams are doing great, learning lots, but we still have a lot left to learn before our games start!

Boys have a had a top turnout of 35 guys at practice, while the girls have had a top turnout of 25!  Great start and lets keep building on it!  We want that many people at practice every time!

PLEASE get all paperwork turned in ASAP! Everyone needs to fill out a Dues Assistance Sheet, even if you paid the full $200 already!  Concussion waivers are required to be able to play.  Get it turned in. 

Payment plans of $50 or $40 a month are due! Since we did not have practice on Thursday it needs to be turned in this Tuesday!  Please be timely with your payments, we need to be able to get everyone registered.  Talk to your coach with any questions.

Please get your mouth guard and cleats ASAP! Soccer cleats are the most preferred! No toe cleats (like on football cleats).  Black shorts and socks can be purchased online at worldrugbyshop.com, here is the link to the Vacaville store, http://www.worldrugbyshop.com/club/11434930/ or you can go to The Coliseum, 1595 Holiday Lane, Fairfield.  They are needed prior to the first game.

See everyone on Tuesday!

2017 Lady Blackdog Game Schedule

Games are on Saturdays! Exact times and field addresses will be know about a week or two prior to the game.  Our away games are all around the Sacramento area. Please contact me with any questions! vacavilleblackdogrugby@gmail.com

Jan. 14th - Girls Kick Off Tournament Sacramento

Jan. 21st - Sac Valley Kick Off Tournament (undecided if we will be doing this one)

Jan. 28th - BYE

Feb. 4th - vs. Sierra (most likely @ Sierra)

Feb. 11th - @ Amazons

Feb. 18th - Home vs. Chico

Feb. 25th - Home vs. Gridley

March 4th - BYE (Vegas 7’s)

March 11-12th Tournament in Pleasanton

March 18th - @ Mother Lode

March 25th - Home vs. River City

April 1st - BYE/Rain Make-Ups

April 8th - BYE/Rain Make-Ups

April 15th - BYE/Easter

April 22nd - Quarterfinals

April 29th - Semifinals

May 6th - Finals

HIGH SCHOOL PRACTICE IS ON FOR TONIGHT!!

5:00-7:00 at 6319 Pleasants Valley Rd.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY! Rain coat, pants, tights, hat, (really just bring layers)

RUNNING SHOES ONLY, NO CLEATS!

We will have to play in this weather during season so we need to practice in it sometimes as well!

DROP OFF SPOT For PRACTICE

If you are dropping off for high school practice please drop off at the location circled on the map.  After coming in the first gate you drive up to the first fork.  There, you can pull off to the side, drop off, and turn around.  It is too crowded up at the field with everyone trying to come and go.  Please and thank you!  We are working to find the most efficient way to do this! 

SEASON INFO!

Club Contact info:

Email: vacavilleblackdogrugby@gmail.com

Club President: Matt Hefner

Boy’s Head Coach: Brett Fortney

Girl’s Head Coach: Samantha Miller

Practice: Tuesdays and Thursdays

               5:00-7:00 High School Boys and Girls

     7:00-9:00 Men’s Club

Starting Tuesday Dec. 6th!

Location: Yin Ranch 6319 Pleasants Valley Rd. Vacaville

Please arrive at the gate at 4:45!

Meet at Journey Coffee 869 Alamo Dr. to carpool to the ranch, or be dropped off at the gate!

Paperwork: Player info packet, concussion waiver, dues sheet can all be printed off the website.

Must have parent signature if under the age of 18!

Please get all paperwork filled out and turned in ASAP!

Cannot participate until concussion waiver is turned in!

Dues: $200 for the season - see dues sheet for payment options and info

$95 goes directly to USA Rugby/Rugby NorCal for registration

$105 goes to the team to help with field, lights, equipment, etc.

Cash and check accepted - checks payable to Vacaville Blackdog Rugby Club

Equipment: In order of importance: A mouthguard

   Soccer cleats

   Black rugby shorts

   Black soccer socks

• Shorts and socks can be purchased at the Coliseum - 1595 Holiday Ln. Fairfield OR can be purchased online at worldrugbyshop.com

Please send us an email if you have any other questions or if you would like to help out this year with player administration or socials!  We love all the help we can get!

First H.S.Practice Dec. 1st @ 6:00!

Journey Coffee 896 Alamo Dr. Vacaville

The time has finally come for season to start! After many frustrating days and weeks of trying to find a field, we finally got one!

The first practice we will be meeting at Journey to discuss the practice location and guidelines surrounding our use there.

PLAYERS AND PARENTS MUST ATTEND!

We will also be getting much of the administrative work out of the was as well, so please bring with you:

1. Player paperwork 

2. Concussion waiver

3. Dues ($200 total) or whatever you can bring at this time

4. Student ID

We will have extra copies on hand if you have not printed yours yet (available on the website).

A parent signature is required on all paperwork if you are under the age of 18.  

You CANNOT participate until the concussion waiver has been turned in.

Please do your best (players and parents) to be there.  It will make the start of the season run that much more smoothly if we can all meet and start off on the same page and get any questions answered.

** Player Assistance Fund **

https://www.gofundme.com/vacavillerugbyclub

YOU CAN HELP!!

Vacaville Rugby Club is starting a Player Assistance Fund to help athletes who cannot pay their full dues.  Each year, athletes are asked to pay $200 in dues.  $95 goes directly to USA Rugby and Rugby NorCal to register the athlete.  The remaining $105 goes to the team to help with the cost of fields, lights, and equipment.  Every year there are athletes who don't pay their full dues because of financial hardships.  With your help, we as a club can support those athletes who need assistance.  We don't want an athlete to miss out on the opportunity to play rugby because they can't pay their dues.  We want everyone to be given the chance to learn this incredible game and culture that we all love!  

Any donation you can make, big or small, makes a huge difference and is greatly appreciated by everyone in Vacaville Rugby Club.  Thank you!

2016 USA Rugby College Seminar

Nov. 12th in Oakland @ Merritt College

OR

Nov. 13th in Sacramento @ McClatchy H.S.

“The Rugger’s Edge is a college advisory firm that focuses on the unique needs of rugby players. The Rugger’s Edge works with the best colleges in the country to prepare material to help families find the perfect fit for their child. With an intimate knowledge of the landscape of US collegiate rugby and how athletic recruiting applies to college admissions, The Rugger’s Edge offers aspiring collegiate student-athletes sound advice to help reach the child’s goals and fulfill the family’s needs.”

Sunday, November 13 at CK McClatchy HS, The Rugger’s Edge is hosting a College Seminar for any players wishing to learn more about the below topics and SO MUCH more!

                How do I apply to college?

                What college offers a program that I’m interested in?

                What do I need to do in HS to help me get into college?

                Who do I contact if I want to play rugby?

                How do I write an application essay?

The Rugger’s Edge is partnering with ArborBridge (a high quality ACT test prep company) to offer a FREE Mock ACT exam for all interested students attending the college seminar. By taking this Mock ACT, each student will better understand the experience of taking an ACT, what types of questions will be asked, how long each section takes, etc. Once the students complete the Mock ACT, ArborBridge will grade the exams and give each student feedback on their performance, what their skills are, what sections need to be improved upon.

Lastly, there will be a college fair where colleges from across the country will be present for you to talk to them about their academic offerings and rugby programs.

What is Rugby??

Rugby is a team sport where 15 players on either side work to advance the ball (with no forward passing) and score a Try in the opposing team's Try Zone.

Where did it come from?  Rugby is believed to have began in 1823 when William Webb Ellis was playing soccer and he picked up the ball and ran with it.  Someone was probably unhappy about that decision and "tackled" him.  While there is no concrete evidence to support this story, it is so widely accepted that the World Cup trohpy is offically named the "William Webb Ellis Trophy".

Rugby is played in over 100 countries around the world, and across six continents.  There are even 7 countries where rugby is their national sport.  There has even been rugby games played in Antartica by American and New Zealander researchers!

Some rugby terms, rules and positions:

The ball can only be passed lateral or backwards, never forwards.  It can however, be kicked forward at any time.

Try: When the ball is placed on the ground in the Try Zone.  If it not placed on the ground under control it does not count. It is a literal touchdown, unlike American Football where it merely has to cross the line.  A Try is worth 5 points.  The kick after is worth 2 points, 7 points in total.

Scrum: After certain infractions the game is re-started with a scrum.  The team who is awarded the scrum will feed the ball into the scrum giving their team and advantage to maintain possesion.  It consists of the forward pack of 8 players against the other team's forward pack.  With the Scrum Half (#9) rolling the ball in.

Lineout: When the ball is carried or kick out of bounds the game is re-started with a Lineout.  It is like a jump ball, a cheerleading lift and soccer throw-in all mixed into one.

 

Ruck: Rugby is a continuous game, much like soccer.  When a player gets tackeled the play does not stop there, like it does in American Football.  There is a contest for posession of the ball, called a ruck.  There are many rules surronding the ruck to keep the game moving along, as well as keep it safe.

 

Tackle: When a player is taken down to the ground by an opponent.  Both the ball carrier and the tackler must the release the ball, and the tackler the ball carrier. A ruck is formed.  Both players must attempt to get out the way so that the ball can be played.

Positions: There are 15 positions on the field.  The forwards make up the first 8 positions.  With the backs making up the remaining 7 positions.  While the positions do have some specific roles, the game of rugby is open and flowing.  Each player must pass, catch, run, tackle and ruck.  The number of the jersey corresponds with the position.
1. Loose Head Prop
2. Hooker
3. Tight Head Prop
4. Locke
5. Locke
6. Flanker
7. Flanker
8. 8 Man
9. Scrum Half
10. Fly Half
11. Wing
12. Inside Centre
13. Outside Centre
14. Wing
15. Fullback


Go search "Rugby" on YouTube and start watching!! Men's and women's rugby is played exactly the same, so it does not matter who you watch!